fertility treatments
Simmone Taitt on Egg Freezing Journey after an Endometriosis Diagnosis
In an interview with Cofertility, Simmone Taitt opens up about her embryo freezing experience. She shares her motivations, challenges, and the rewards she discovered along the way, providing invaluable insights for those considering this transformative path.
Simmone Taitt, Founder and CEO of Poppyseed Health, is no stranger to reproductive health. In an interview with Cofertility, Simmone opens up about her embryo freezing experience. She shares her motivations, challenges, and the rewards she discovered along the way, providing invaluable insights for those considering this transformative path.
Eggs vs embryos
"I decided to create embryos with my partner because I was undergoing surgery for stage four endometriosis," Simmone explains. "There was a chance that I was going to lose one of my ovaries, and we wanted to preserve our options as much as possible while also addressing the endo." Unfortunately, she did lose her left ovary and fallopian tube, making the decision to create embryos even more significant.
Simmone froze her eggs at the age of 37, retrieving a total of 11 eggs. "I was 37 years old when I retrieved my eggs and we got 11 eggs," she shares. "The ovary that I ended up losing only produced 2 eggs while the other produced 9 eggs." Despite the challenges she faced, Simmone's determination remained unwavering.
Read more about choosing to freeze eggs vs embryos
Reflections on the process
Reflecting on the egg freezing process, Simmone shares, "The process was way more time consuming than I anticipated." She explains the rigorous routine of blood tests every other day for nearly two weeks and intravaginal sonograms during every visit. Simmone's experience was further complicated by the side effects of the stimulation medication due to her endometriosis. "It was tough on my body. I gained 10 pounds during the stimulation period and was very bloated," she reveals. However, the reward of creating embryos outweighed the difficulties she encountered.
For Simmone, the hardest part of the process came after the retrieval. "About four weeks after my first embryo transfer, I ended up in the hospital with a swollen arm," she recalls. "It turned out that I had a deep vein thrombosis (DVT)." This setback disrupted her plans for additional embryo transfers. Despite the challenges, Simmone's spirit remains unbroken.
Picking a fertility clinic
When it came to choosing a fertility clinic and medical professional, Simmone had specific criteria in mind. "I specifically wanted an REI who had experience with medically complex patients with inflammatory diseases," she explains. After consulting with various specialists, Simmone selected an REI whom she felt comfortable and safe with. Although her own journey has not resulted in a successful pregnancy (yet), she referred two friends to the same REI, both of whom had successful first transfers and babies. Simmone emphasizes that each person's body is different and outcomes aren't guaranteed.
Simmone acknowledges the impact of the egg freezing process on her personal and professional life. "Thankfully, I was able to go in for my monitoring hours first thing in the morning, which was the most convenient for my schedule," she shares. However, she also highlights the significant cost involved. "The cost is astronomical," she reveals. While her partner's company covered one round of egg retrievals, Simmone and her partner had to use their savings, around $5,000 to $6,000, to cover the expenses of medication and other aspects of the cycle.
The emotional and psychological aspects of egg freezing
Managing the emotional and psychological aspects of egg freezing presented its own challenges for Simmone. "I had a lot of friends who [have done IVF]. The process is similar, so I had a lot of knowledge going into it, but it was still emotionally tough for me," she admits. Simmone relied on her partner, family, and friends for support. The hormonal effects of the medications heightened her emotions and made her feel tender and vulnerable during that time.
Looking back on her egg freezing experience, Simmone reflects on the need for better awareness of the possible side effects. "I think we commercialize the egg freezing process and IVF to be 'easy' and 'accessible' and 'simple'," she states. Simmone wishes she had been more informed about the potential challenges involved and emphasizes the importance of a realistic understanding of the procedures.
Advice for others
Offering advice to those considering freezing their eggs, Simmone encourages open conversation and seeking support. "It's important to talk to people who have been through the process and get the real stories," she suggests. Simmone emphasizes the deeply personal nature of the decision and underscores the need for support, guidance, and empathy throughout the journey.
Simmone Taitt's story is one of resilience, hope, and empowerment. Her decision to freeze her eggs was driven by a desire to preserve her fertility amidst health challenges. Despite the obstacles she faced, Simmone's unwavering spirit and determination propelled her forward. Her experience serves as a reminder that while the road may be challenging, there is strength in preserving options and embracing the possibilities that lie ahead.
How to Support Your Partner Through the Cofertility Split Program
If you are part of Cofertility’s Split Program, or even donating your eggs elsewhere, this is a helpful guide to share with your partner.
If you are part of Cofertility’s Split Program, or even donating your eggs elsewhere, this is a helpful guide to share with your partner.
At Cofertility, we are on a mission to support individuals and families across different phases of the fertility journey. Our work transcends the boundaries of traditional fertility care, forging connections that breathe life into the dreams of thousands of families, both today and the future.
Through our unique Split Program, we've had the privilege of working with many egg freezers and donors, and know the experience varies widely. We've witnessed joy, apprehension, hope, and triumph, and we've come to recognize that the process of egg sharing is multifaceted and profound. Our journey with these remarkable individuals has not only exposed us to the wide spectrum of emotions and decisions, but has also underscored the indispensable role of a robust support system throughout the journey.
Becoming an egg donor presents a multitude of emotional, physical, and ethical considerations. How, then, can friends, family, or significant others support a Split member during this journey?
In the following guide, we hope to share the insights we've gathered, offering a pathway for those seeking to support a loved one through this journey.
Understand the process
It’s helpful for you to understand the logistical and medical process your partner or loved one is going through. Here are a few guides to get up to speed:
- What's the Egg Retrieval Process Like?
- Everything You Need To Know About Egg Freezing Medication
- The Ultimate Guide to the Split Program
- Disclosed vs. Undisclosed Egg Donation: How Should I Choose?
- What are the Side Effects and Risks of Egg Freezing?
Offer assistance
The Split members' journey with egg freezing will require numerous medical appointments for ultrasounds and bloodwork. Your presence at these appointments can provide a reassuring sense of companionship.
But the most important task is being their reliable ride home from the egg retrieval procedure (in fact, it’s required that they do not drive after this procedure). This might be a clinic near home or you may be asked to travel with your partner to a clinic near the intended parents (if this is the case, travel expenses for both of you will be covered).
Once they get home, ensuring they have the things they need to be comfortable—whether it's a favorite blanket, soothing tea, or just your comforting presence—can make a significant difference in their experience. These thoughtful actions underscore the human connection at the heart of this medical process, turning what could be a solitary journey into a shared experience of empathy and care.
Egg freezing is considered a safe procedure, and complications are rare. But you should know the red flags. If you notice any of the symptoms below, report them to the healthcare provider asap:
- Temperature above 101 F
- Severe abdominal pain or swelling
- Severe nausea or vomiting that doesn’t go away
- Heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking through a pad in an hour; some light bleeding is normal)
- Difficulty urinating, or painful urination
- Fainting or dizziness
Help with the shots
The first step in the egg freezing process is to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs to be retrieved. This is done with the use of fertility medication, administered in the form of injectable hormones over 10-12 days.
Helping your loved one with these required injections is huge. This is not a task for everyone, and it's completely understandable if it falls outside your comfort zone. If you do have the capacity and willingness to assist with administering the shots, your help would undoubtedly be appreciated.
However, even if you prefer not to take a hands-on role, your presence while they give themselves the shot can still make a meaningful difference.
Simply keeping them company, offering words of encouragement, or offering a little treat (chocolate?) or surprise after each shot can transform an intimidating necessity into a shared moment of support and connection.
Respect the decision
Friends, family, and partners should respect the donor's autonomy in this deeply personal decision. Recognize that this choice belongs solely to the person making it, and it may reflect a multitude of considerations, both practical and emotional.
Respecting this decision requires acknowledging your partner's autonomy and avoiding any attempts to influence or question her choice. Supporting her means listening without judgment, asking thoughtful questions to understand her perspective, and reassuring her of your support.
Research shows that egg donors are generally happy with their decision and the vast majority do not regret it (in one study of an egg sharing program, only 2.1% regretted their decision to participate). And anecdotally speaking, donors we work with at Cofertility are grateful for the opportunity to donate their eggs and keep half of the eggs retrieved for their own future use, for free.
Concerns and curiosity are natural, but they must be handled with delicacy and empathy. Being there for her doesn't mean agreeing with her on every point but rather offering a safe space where she can express her feelings and thoughts freely.
Empirical studies on autonomy and healthcare decisions reinforce the importance of respecting individual choices, particularly those concerning one's body and reproductive rights. In the context of egg donation, this principle becomes paramount, reflecting the ethical, emotional, and personal dimensions of the choice at hand.
Celebrate the achievement
Egg freezing and donation can be an expression of personal values, a decision that encapsulates a woman's beliefs, or simply an achievement that deserves acknowledgment and celebration.
Celebrating this achievement can take many forms, from simple words of congratulations and admiration to more elaborate expressions of support. It might mean throwing a small celebration, writing a heartfelt letter, or finding another personal way to convey pride and gratitude.
Celebration does not necessarily mean a public declaration but rather an authentic and personal acknowledgment of the strength, courage, and compassion embodied in the decision itself. The act of recognizing and honoring this choice can create a shared moment of joy and connection, strengthening the bonds between the donor and those closest to her.
In summary
Through our work with hundreds of donors, we've learned that the path is never solitary, nor should it be. The role of friends, family, partners, and significant others in this process cannot be overstated.
From understanding the technical aspects of the process to being a comforting presence during medical appointments, offering assistance with injections, respecting personal choices, and celebrating the decision, the support system surrounding a donor becomes an integral part of the experience. These connections not only ease the logistical and emotional challenges but transform the process into a shared journey that's imbued with empathy, respect, and love.
Our commitment to supporting individuals and families remains unwavering. By fostering a robust network of support and sharing our insights, we hope to make the journey not only more approachable but also more meaningful. The dreams of creating and nurturing life are collective ones, and we at Cofertility are honored to be part of these intimate and extraordinary stories.
How Rachel Liverman Crane Overcame Medical Anxiety to Freeze Her Eggs
Rachel Liverman Crane is the Founder & CEO of the East Coast skincare facial concept Glow Bar. She's also taken a bold step in her personal life by freezing her eggs — a journey made even more remarkable by overcoming medical anxiety, a common fear that affects many people facing medical procedures.
Rachel Liverman Crane is the Founder & CEO of the East Coast skincare facial concept Glow Bar. Yet, her dynamic life doesn't end with her professional achievements; she's also taken a bold step in her personal life by freezing her eggs — a journey made even more remarkable by overcoming medical anxiety, a common fear that affects many people facing medical procedures.
Medical anxiety is more than a fleeting concern; it's a genuine fear that can hinder individuals from pursuing necessary or elective medical treatments. In Rachel's case, it was a hurdle she had to conquer on her path to securing future family planning options.
Her journey reflects a blend of determination, pragmatism, and an unwavering belief in one's self, sending a strong message to others about the power of informed choices and the beauty of self-confidence. By bravely facing her fears, Rachel serves as an inspiration to others who may be on the fence about egg freezing. Whether it's expanding a skincare brand or planning for a future family, she navigates life with grace, wisdom, and a touch of humor, embodying the future's endless possibilities.
In a candid interview with us, Rachel shares this journey, opening up about her experience with egg freezing and how she overcame the anxiety that often accompanies medical decisions.
Deciding to freeze
At the age of 35, while single and deeply focused on growing her business, Rachel made the decision to freeze her eggs. Recognizing that she wouldn't be having children in the immediate future, she saw this as a way to retain her focus on her career without the looming pressure of biological timing. "I figured I would freeze my eggs so my focus could remain on my career and not have the pressure of having kids feel so strong."
The process resulted in a "lucky dozen" of 12 eggs, with nine being frozen. Her AMH was 1.81, and she candidly shares her experience, describing herself as an "open book."
Embracing the process even with medical anxiety
When asked what she was most nervous about, Rachel replied, “The shots, the blood draws every morning, the anesthesia, the IV, the recovery — I worried about it all!”
“But in the end”, she says, “it was so simple and my doctor and his team took such great care of me the entire way.”
Having seen friends go through it, she knew what to expect, although the physical discomfort and bloating after retrieval did surprise her. “The thing that surprised me the most was how bloated and uncomfortable that would feel after the retrieval process.”
What stands out, however, is the empowerment and strength she felt after going through this elective procedure, particularly given her medical anxiety. "I was really proud of myself for doing something that scared me for my future self!"
Rachel, we’re proud of you too!
Facing the hard parts head-on
The journey wasn't without its challenges. The financial burden was a difficult aspect for her. As a startup founder, making such a significant investment had a real impact. Still, the sacrifice was worth it, even if it meant missing events like close friends' weddings abroad. "I don't have any regrets," she asserts.
Read more about paying for egg freezing:
Choosing Dr. Joshua Stewart at Dr. Joshua Stewart at Cornell for the procedure, she feels the decision has had a profoundly positive effect on her professional life. It allowed her to prioritize her career, team, and business without sacrificing personal aspirations.
Looking back and looking ahead
Looking back, the only thing she might have done differently is to take supplements or seek acupuncture to support her eggs. Yet, she considers the freezing of her eggs as part of her journey, jokingly referring to them as her "insurance plan" and the possibility of thawing these "cuties" to make babies if and when needed.
Rachel says that her relationships and dating life remained unaffected. Freezing her eggs just became "another part of me," not altering her approach to dating or personal relationships.
Advice for others
Her advice for others considering this path is wise and considerate. She urges people to talk to others who have undergone the process, ask questions, advocate for themselves, and not to push themselves if it doesn't feel right.
"Don't feel pressure to do this if it doesn't feel right for you. It's a serious and expensive procedure, so make sure that this is something that you really care about and feel is right for you and where you are today.” We couldn’t agree more!
Who Should and Shouldn't Freeze Their Eggs
Thinking about delaying having kids for a while? Maybe you’re focused on your career, haven't found the right partner, or just aren't ready yet. Egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation) is a way to take some pressure off that biological clock and increase your fertility options. But is it right for you? Let’s dive into some of the factors doctors use to help people determine if they are a good candidate for egg freezing.
Thinking about delaying having kids for a while? Maybe you’re focused on your career, haven't found the right partner, or just aren't ready yet. Egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation) is a way to take some pressure off that biological clock and increase your fertility options. But is it right for you?
Let’s dive into some of the factors doctors use to help people determine if they are a good candidate for egg freezing.
Who is a good candidate for egg freezing?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer to who should consider egg freezing (planned fertility preservation). It depends on several factors, including your age, your ovarian reserve (how many eggs you have left), your family-building goals, and when you realistically see yourself wanting children. Anyone thinking about egg freezing should be aware of the chances of getting pregnant using those eggs later, and understand that there's no guarantee of a baby.
One of the most important factors is your age. The younger you are at the time of freezing, the better the quality of your eggs, and the higher your chances of a successful pregnancy later. Those under 35 generally have the highest success rates with egg freezing.
Read more in At What Age Should I Freeze My Eggs?
In addition to age, your doctor will look at your ovarian reserve. Tests like AMH (Anti-Müllerian hormone), FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), E2 (estradiol), and an ultrasound to see your antral follicle count will give them a picture of how many eggs you have left. This information helps them provide guidance on how many eggs you could expect to retrieve during the freezing process and your overall chances of success.
Egg freezing might also be the right choice for those with certain medical conditions, or those with a family history of early menopause.
Because the answer is different for everyone, you’ll want to have an egg-freezing consultation with a fertility doctor. They'll help you assess the pros, cons, costs, and your individual success rates.
Who is not a good candidate for egg freezing?
Ultimately, the decision will be up to you and your fertility doctor. But there are a few factors that could lead your doctor to dissuade you from freezing your eggs. This includes:
- Over 45: The success rates of egg freezing drop significantly beyond age 45 due to decreased ovarian reserve and lower egg quality. While some clinics might offer the procedure, it's important to have realistic expectations about the low chances of pregnancy.
- Severely diminished ovarian reserve: Hormone tests and an antral follicle count provide an estimate of how many eggs are remaining. If these numbers indicate very low ovarian reserve, egg freezing is unlikely to yield enough eggs to make it worthwhile.
- Planning to conceive soon: If you plan to try for a baby within a year or two, egg freezing usually isn't necessary. The odds of conceiving naturally within that time frame are often good, especially if you are younger. Unless there are underlying medical reasons for concern, it makes more sense to try conceiving naturally first.
- No ovaries: Since egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation) involves retrieving eggs from the ovaries, this procedure is not an option for those without ovaries.
Even if you fall into one of these categories, it's worth a consultation with a fertility specialist. They can provide personalized guidance based on your specific situation and help you explore all your options.
Why would someone need to freeze their eggs?
There are many reasons why someone might consider freezing their eggs. One major factor is age-related fertility decline. As people age, both the quality and quantity of their eggs naturally decrease. Freezing eggs at a younger age allows for the preservation of higher-quality eggs, potentially increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy later in life.
Medical reasons also play a significant role. Conditions like cancer, endometriosis, or surgeries with the potential to affect the ovaries can lead to premature infertility. Egg freezing allows individuals to preserve their fertility before undergoing treatments that might compromise it. Egg freezing is also an option for transgender men considering gender-affirming surgery or hormone therapy. It allows them to retain the possibility of having biological children in the future.
Those with a family history of early menopause might also consider egg freezing. If you have female relatives who experienced early menopause, you could be at higher risk. Egg freezing gives you greater control over your fertility timeline.
Sometimes, egg freezing simply centers around flexibility in life planning. Some people choose to delay childbearing to pursue education, establish their careers, or find the right partner. Egg freezing can provide peace of mind and increased options when it comes to building a family.
At what age should you freeze your eggs?
According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), an optimal time to freeze your eggs is in your 20s and early 30s, while you have a higher ovarian reserve and eggs are healthier. So whether you’re 25 or 35, you can absolutely freeze your eggs!
A large 2020 study at a fertility clinic that specializes in this area looked at egg-freezing cycles for over 1,200 people. It compared the average number of eggs people of different ages were able to freeze versus the “optimal” or goal number of eggs they should freeze. This goal number was based on how many eggs would give them a 70% live birth rate after doing 1 or 2 egg freezing cycles (this rate is calculated using some other numbers and it typically goes up as we age to make up for the lower number of healthy eggs).
The study found that younger people, unsurprisingly, have an easier time freezing the goal number of eggs in one cycle. As people aged, they needed multiple egg freezing cycles to reach that goal number. These findings bring up a common question– is it worth freezing eggs after age 35?
Is it worth freezing your eggs after 35?
Well, it depends. The ASRM does not recommend egg freezing for people older than 38, but this isn’t a strict cutoff. Everyone’s fertility goes down at a different rate. Having your fertility hormones checked can sometimes help you and your doctor get a general idea of what your ovarian reserve is. This can better help you decide if egg freezing is right for you.
To freeze or not to freeze, that is the question
When trying to decide if you should freeze your eggs, it’s important to know that egg freezing is not an “insurance policy” for your fertility. While egg freezing can take some of the stress of having a baby right now off your shoulders, it is not a guarantee that you’ll have a baby in the future.
Why not? Well, not all the eggs that get frozen will actually be viable. It’s expected that some eggs will not survive the warming process. In addition, the chances of the eggs that do survive being successfully fertilized depends partially on how old you were when you froze them (more on this later).
This is not to sway your decision one way or another. Ultimately, only you and your doctor can decide if egg freezing is the right decision for you. But it's important to go in knowing that it’s not meant to be a done deal.
Freeze your eggs with Cofertility
We’d love the opportunity to support you on your egg-freezing journey.
Through our Split program, qualified freezers can freeze their eggs for free when donating half of the eggs retrieved to a family who can’t otherwise conceive.
Through our Keep program — where you keep 100% of eggs retrieved for your own future use — we offer exclusive discounts on expenses, such as frozen egg storage. Keep members also still gain free access to our Freeze by Co Community, a safe space for those engaging in the egg-freezing process (or gearing up for it) to connect and lean on each other.
By making egg freezing easier and more accessible, our programs further strengthen the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)’s Committee Opinion that egg freezing can help promote social justice and strengthen gender equality.
Summing it up
Here are the factors to consider if you are debating if egg freezing is right for you:
- Age matters a lot. The younger you are at the time of freezing, the better the quality of your eggs, and the higher your chances of a successful pregnancy later. Those under the age of 35 generally have the highest success rates with egg freezing. Egg freezing isn't recommended for people older than 45 due to low chances of success.
- Think about your timeline. How long do you plan to wait to have children? Egg freezing is great for a longer delay, but likely not worthwhile if you’re only thinking a year or two ahead.
- Check your eggs. Tests like AMH, FSH, and ultrasounds with follicle count can give you a picture of your ovarian reserve (aka, how many eggs you have left).
- It's not a guarantee. Even with frozen eggs, there's no promise of having a baby in the future.
- The $ factor. Egg freezing is expensive! Most insurance plans don't cover it, so be prepared for an out-of-pocket cost. Or consider our Split program where you can freeze your eggs for free when donating half to a family that can’t otherwise conceive.
Freezing your eggs is a big decision, and it's different for everyone. The best thing to do? Talk to a fertility specialist! They'll help you understand the pros, cons, chances of success, and whether it makes sense for your particular situation.
Egg Freezing: What Happens to Unused Frozen Eggs?
Egg freezing can provide amazing reproductive optionality in the event that you may need to use your frozen eggs to have children down the line — but what happens to unused frozen eggs if you don’t end up needing them? In this article, we’ll discuss what happens after you freeze your eggs and some options for what to do with any unused frozen eggs.
Egg freezing can provide amazing reproductive optionality in the event that you may need to use your frozen eggs to have children down the line — but what happens to unused frozen eggs if you don’t end up needing them? In this article, we’ll discuss what happens after you freeze your eggs and some options for what to do with any unused frozen eggs.
Because it can be beneficial for anyone with ovaries to freeze their eggs — we offer a program to freeze your eggs for free through our Split program, when you donate half of the eggs retrieved to another family who can’t otherwise conceive. Our hope is that whenever you’re ready to start trying for a baby, you’ll be able to get pregnant unassisted. That being said, with 1 in 6 individuals experiencing fertility challenges, egg freezing allows you to be a little bit more prepared, just in case.
Once you freeze your eggs, there are various paths you can decide on in the future, whether or not you choose to use them. Let’s dive in.
What are the chances I’ll need to use my frozen eggs?
As we mentioned, fertility challenges are — unfortunately — not entirely uncommon. Again, our hope is that your experience trying to conceive, whenever you’re ready, is easy-breezy. But that just may not be the case, which is why we’re on a mission to make egg freezing more accessible, empowering, and positive for all.
It's an especially valuable option for those who know they want to build a family, but know they might need to use IVF down the line. This includes single moms by choice and members of the LGBTQ+ community, who often rely on assisted reproductive technologies to achieve their family-building dreams.
If you do end up wanting to use those eggs in the future, that involves:
- Shipping them from storage
- Thawing them
- Fertilizing them into embryos in a lab (otherwise known as IVF, or in vitro fertilization)
- Letting those embryos develop for several days, with the option to have them genetically tested
- Transferring an embryo into your uterus or that of a gestational carrier to hopefully develop into a live birth
The data on frozen egg thawing
It’s a relatively straightforward process, but given that egg freezing was only recently popularized, there’s not a ton of long term data around how many people end up needing to use those eggs in the future. We do have some data around thaw rates, as the success of thawing frozen eggs is not guaranteed. One study from 2009 found that the overall survival rate of eggs from vitrification (the most commonly used method of egg freezing today) was 95%.
A 2023 UK-based study followed a cohort of 167 women that underwent 184 social egg freezing cycles between January 2006 and March 2022, and showed that 16% of the women have returned to use their frozen eggs so far. That statistic, however, should be examined with a grain of salt — the biggest reason being that if someone froze her eggs as late as 2022, the odds of her moving forward with IVF only one year later may be unlikely.
Another 2022 study led by experts at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and the NYU Langone Fertility Center looked at 15 years of frozen egg thaw outcomes. Of 543 women, 61% moved forward with at least one embryo transfer. While this doesn’t tell us exactly how many women thawed their eggs, it was likely greater than 61%, assuming that some of these eggs unfortunately either didn’t survive the thaw or didn’t fertilize into embryos.
Read more in Egg Freezing Thaw Rates
What happens if I *don’t* use my frozen eggs?
Before you move forward with egg freezing, you’ll sign a contract with your clinic (or long-term storage facility), where you state your preferences about what to do with your eggs if, at any point, you decide not to move forward with fertilization and transfer. Don’t worry — you can always change your mind later on.
If you don’t end up needing your frozen eggs, or decide down the line that you don’t want to keep them in storage for any reason, here are your options.
Unused frozen eggs option #1: discard them
If you know you don’t want to keep storing your frozen eggs, and would rather not pursue other options (listed below), you can always request that the clinic or storage facility dispose of them.
Unused frozen eggs option #2: donate them to science
The biggest reason why egg freezing technology has made so much progress over the years is because of individuals volunteering to provide reproductive material for research. The ability to study frozen eggs and embryos, along with the medications, techniques, or devices used among various cycles can help improve success rates for others pursuing fertility treatment in the future.
If you don’t see this listed in your initial contract but want to pursue this as an option, ask your clinic if this is possible.
Unused frozen eggs option #3: keep paying for storage
Frozen egg storage fees will vary depending on the location of the storage facility, the time you’re willing to commit to storage (some facilities offer discounts for bulk pricing — say, paying for 5 years upfront), transportation fees, and more. Typically, this ranges between $500 - $1,500 per year.
As part of the free egg freezing provided through Cofertility’s Split program outlined above, you’ll receive 10 years of frozen egg storage. And of course, you can always remove, thaw, or ship them somewhere else before those 10 years are up if you’d like. After all, they’re your eggs! And if you’re working with a good clinic in the US using vitrification methods (and don’t mind paying storage fees), you can even store your frozen eggs indefinitely.
Unused frozen eggs option #4: donate them to another family
Many individuals or couples — including LGBTQ+ families, those with infertility, or cancer survivors — may rely on egg donation in order to grow their families. If you’re interested in pursuing egg donation, talk to your clinic. You’ll need to undergo some screening to see if you qualify, but this could be an incredible option.
Conclusion
If you’re not 100% certain you won’t be using your frozen eggs and you are comfortable with the storage expense, our recommendation is to continue storing your eggs until you’re sure you no longer need or want them. You never know.
If you have not yet begun the egg freezing process and you are interested in more affordable (even free) egg freezing, take our quiz to see if you qualify for Cofertility’s Split program. It only takes a minute!
Read More:
I'm Interested in Donating My Eggs: Will I Be Anonymous?
Anonymity is often a primary question for potential donors as they may believe that anonymity to be a way to protect themselves from the emotional complexity that is egg donation. They may believe that by remaining anonymous they can avoid forming any type of relationship with the child or recipients thereby also potentially avoiding feelings of guilt, responsibility, or attachment. Or they may not want it to interfere with future relationships or their own family dynamics. While anonymity is no longer realistic, disclosed and undisclosed egg donation offers benefits and the chance for meaningful future connections.
Egg donation is a medical procedure where a woman donates her eggs to individuals or couples who are unable to have children using their own eggs. The egg donor undergoes a series of medical and psychological screenings and hormonal treatments to stimulate egg production. Once the eggs are mature, they are retrieved through a short surgical procedure done on an out-patient basis. The eggs are then fertilized with sperm (either from the intended father or sperm donor) and the resulting embryos are either transferred to the recipient's uterus (intended mother or gestational carrier) or frozen for later use.
Many times donors have seen first hand their own friends or family struggling with infertility. Witnessing this creates a desire to help and motivates them to donate their eggs. This act of giving can be deeply fulfilling on a personal level knowing that they are creating family trees or relationships (parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.) that might otherwise have never existed.
Anonymity is often a primary question for potential donors as they may believe that anonymity to be a way to protect themselves from the emotional complexity that is egg donation. They may believe that by remaining anonymous they can avoid forming any type of relationship with the child or recipients thereby also potentially avoiding feelings of guilt, responsibility, or attachment. Or they may not want it to interfere with future relationships or their own family dynamics. While anonymity is no longer realistic, disclosed and undisclosed egg donation offers benefits and the chance for meaningful future connections.
Donor anonymity
The traditional concept of anonymous donation prioritizes privacy and confidentiality for donors, the intended parents, and any resulting children. In traditional anonymous donation, there is no exchange of identifying information between the egg donor and the intended parents. If there is contact, it is very limited and is facilitated by the fertility clinic or agency.
But in recent years, DNA testing services, like 23andMe, have had a profound impact on egg donor anonymity. The ability to uncover genetic connections through these tests undermines the anonymity promised in traditional egg donation arrangements. Even if donors and recipients agreed to anonymity, individuals who were conceived using donor eggs may take one of these tests and uncover genetic connections to relatives, including their egg donor.
In the past, when anonymity was promised in egg donation arrangements, it was often based on the understanding that the identities of both the donor and the recipient would remain confidential and undisclosed to each other. However, as mentioned above, with the increasing popularity of direct-to-consumer genetic testing services, maintaining complete anonymity in egg donation is basically impossible. If an egg donation agency or egg bank promises anonymity, be very weary. They are not able to guarantee it due to DNA testing.
There is an increasing trend towards greater openness in egg donation arrangements in many countries, with increasing recognition of the importance of providing donors and offspring with the option for contact. For example, the United Kingdom has a regulated system for egg donation overseen by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA). Donors are required to provide non-identifying information that may be shared with offspring at the age of 18.
Disclosed and undisclosed donation
At Cofertility, we offer donors and the families they match with two general types of relationships.
In a disclosed relationship, the egg donor and recipient exchange contact information and can communicate directly. So, both the donor and the recipients are aware of each other's identities. The scope and degree of communication (both during and post-match) is what both parties make of it. This can range from occasional updates to ongoing relationships and involvement in each other's lives.
In an undisclosed relationship, identifying information is not exchanged and communication is facilitated through Cofertility. With an undisclosed donation, the donor and the family can choose to allow the donor-conceived child to receive the donor’s contact information when they turn a certain age (usually 18). This is called Open ID, an increasingly popular option.
Benefits of non-anonymous donation
Non-anonymous donation offers a more personalized approach. It provides donors and intended parents the opportunity to establish meaningful relationships and make informed choices based on mutual understanding and respect. This openness can offer opportunities for building positive relationships and can enable donors and intended parents to provide emotional support to one another throughout the donation process. This support network can be valuable in navigating the emotional complexities and challenges associated with egg donation.
Considerations for potential egg donors
The level of desired openness in egg donation is a personal choice and can vary significantly from individual to individual. Some individuals may prioritize transparency and openness in all aspects of their lives, including reproductive choices, while others may prefer privacy and discretion. Some may feel comfortable with potential future contact whereas others do not. Both are completely acceptable.
Summing it up
The concept of egg donor anonymity has evolved over time, with increasing recognition about the benefits of disclosure in egg donation. Initially, anonymity was commonly practiced to protect the privacy of all involved. However, as attitudes towards third party reproduction in general have shifted and advancements in technology have made maintaining anonymity difficult, there has been a growing trend towards disclosure and openness in egg donation. Every donor needs to prioritize their own comfort and values while understanding the positive possibilities of connection. It's essential for individuals considering egg donation to be aware of the potential risks and limitations regarding anonymity and to carefully consider the implications before proceeding with the donation process.
Read more: